Hearing Loss Among Veterans

Hearing Loss Among Veterans

Veterans are at a higher risk of hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises during military service. Hearing damage, hearing loss, tinnitus, and related conditions are among the most common types of medical issues for military members. 

Tinnitus is the number-one disability among Veterans and affects nearly 15% of American adults. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive hearing health care services, including disability audiology exams for Veterans and Servicemembers, and medical opinions on the relationship between military service and hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. 

Proper fitting and consistent wearing of hearing protective devices (HPDs) can help prevent hearing loss and tinnitus.

How Hearing Treatment can Help Veterans to Adapt

Hearing treatment can help veterans to adapt by improving their communication abilities, relationships, and job performance. The Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive hearing health care services, including disability audiology exams for Veterans and Servicemembers, and medical opinions on the relationship between military service and hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders. Assessment, evaluation, treatment, and management of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders are also provided. 

If hearing loss is diagnosed, the VA may provide hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, or other devices to help improve hearing. Proper fitting and consistent wearing of hearing protective devices (HPDs) can also help prevent hearing loss and tinnitus. By seeking treatment for hearing loss and related conditions, veterans can improve their quality of life and adapt to their hearing loss.

Hearing Loss Treatment Benefits for Veterans

Hearing loss treatment can provide several benefits to individuals with hearing loss. Hearing aids, for example, can be adjusted over a wide range of hearing loss and can be customized to fit the person’s needs. They can improve communication abilities, relationships, and job performance. Some hearing aids can even connect to a person’s cellphone, allowing them to answer and listen to phone calls and watch videos directly from their hearing aid. Treatment of hearing loss can also improve quality of life by reducing stress, anger, depression, loneliness, and memory loss. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for hearing loss to improve overall health and well-being. By working with a hearing healthcare professional, individuals with hearing loss can find the best treatment options for their needs and improve their quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.